Porters Creek Trail
Greenbrier · Spring wildflowers and an 1875 barn
One of the park's best spring wildflower walks, following Porters Creek over a string of footbridges through quiet Greenbrier. A mile in stands the Messer barn, built in 1875 in a double-cantilever style found in only a few East Tennessee counties — and you can walk inside it. Fern Branch Falls is another mile on.
The Porters Creek Trail is one of the prettiest hikes in the Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountains. It follows a rushing creek past old stone walls, a historic farmstead, and a quiet family cemetery to Fern Branch Falls, a 40-foot waterfall tucked into the woods.
It's also one of the best spring wildflower hikes in the park. In April, the forest floor is covered in blooms, which makes this a favorite for photographers and families alike.
Porters Creek Trail at a glance
To the Messer farmstead: about 2 miles round trip
Full trail: about 3 miles one way to campsite 31
Time: one to three hours
Difficulty: moderate
Trailhead: end of Greenbrier Road, near Gatlinburg
Pets: not allowed on this trail
Finding the Porters Creek trailhead
From Gatlinburg, take US 321 east for about six miles and turn right at the Greenbrier entrance to the national park. Follow Greenbrier Road about three miles to a fork, continue straight, and drive about one more mile to the trailhead parking area at the end of the road.
Arrive early — the gravel parking area holds only about twenty cars and fills fast, especially during wildflower season.
Drive slowly — Greenbrier Road turns to gravel and is narrow in places. Watch for oncoming cars and use the pull-offs.
Bring a parking tag — a national park parking tag is required for any vehicle parked longer than fifteen minutes. See our guide to where to buy a Smokies parking pass.
Plan for restrooms — there are none at the trailhead. The closest are at the Greenbrier picnic area on the way in.
Highlights along the trail
Old homesites and Ownby Cemetery
The first stretch follows an old road along Porters Creek. Look for stone walls, old foundations, and the small Ownby Cemetery, all reminders of the families who farmed this valley before it became part of the national park.
The Messer farmstead
About a mile in, at a large trail junction, a short side path of about 350 yards leads to the John Messer barn, built in 1875, along with a spring house and a cabin built by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club in the 1930s. It's a great turnaround point for a shorter, two-mile outing.
Fern Branch Falls
Past the junction, the trail continues along the creek and crosses a long footlog bridge. The climb gets steeper as you near Fern Branch Falls, which spills about 40 feet down a rock face on the left side of the trail. It's at its best after a good rain.
Spring wildflowers on Porters Creek
Porters Creek Trail is famous for its spring wildflowers. In early to mid April, white blooms carpet the forest floor near the bridges, and trillium follow later in the month. If you're planning a spring trip around the blooms, see our guide to wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains and our spring break cabin rentals.
Tips for your hike
Watch your step — expect roots, rocks, stream crossings, and high footlog bridges. Wear sturdy shoes.
Keep kids close — the footlog bridges and the rocks near the falls can be slippery.
Stay on the trail — protect the wildflowers by staying on the path, and don't pick the blooms.
Plan overnight trips ahead — camping at campsite 31 at the end of the trail requires a park backcountry permit.
Best time to hike Porters Creek Trail
Spring — wildflower season, and the most popular time to visit. Weekdays and early mornings are best for parking.
Summer — the shady creekside forest keeps the hike comfortable.
Fall — the hardwoods along the creek turn bright colors. Plan a leaf-season trip with our fall cabin rentals.
Check the national park's website for any road or trail closures before you go.
More to explore in Greenbrier and beyond
Greenbrier is one of the quieter corners of the Smokies. While you're here, the Greenbrier picnic area is one of our favorite picnic spots near Gatlinburg, and the challenging hike to Ramsey Cascades also starts in this area. For more waterfalls near Gatlinburg, try Grotto Falls and Baskins Creek Falls, or browse all our Smoky Mountain hiking trails.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Porters Creek Trail?
About four miles round trip to Fern Branch Falls. The full trail runs about three miles one way to backcountry campsite 31.
Where is the Porters Creek trailhead?
At the end of Greenbrier Road in the Greenbrier area of the park, about six miles east of Gatlinburg on US 321 and then about four miles up Greenbrier Road.
How tall is Fern Branch Falls?
About 40 feet.
When are the wildflowers best on Porters Creek?
Usually early to late April, with trillium blooming later in the month.
Is Porters Creek Trail hard?
It's moderate, with some roots, rocks, stream crossings, and a steeper climb near the falls.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets aren't allowed on the Porters Creek Trail.
Greenbrier is a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg, so our Gatlinburg cabins put this hike within easy reach. Our cabins near the national park keep the trails close, and our riverfront cabins let you enjoy the sound of running water after your hike. Rest your legs in one of our hot tub cabins, and if the dog is coming along, our pet-friendly cabins welcome them too.